Storm on Steam: Russian Military-Backed Ukraine War Game “Squad 22: ZOV” Ignites Global Outcry
A controversial new tactical shooter, “Squad 22: ZOV,” launched on Steam yesterday, immediately thrusting itself into a fierce global debate. The game, which places players in command of Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine, boldly claims to be “officially recommended by the Russian Military for use as a basic infantry tactic manual” for its cadets.
Developed by the newcomer SPN Studio and published by Zarobana Entertainment, “Squad 22: ZOV” asserts it presents “history as it is,” inviting players to “delve into the complexities of the 2014 and 2022-2024 events” – referring to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The developers state the game’s design is based on “insights from Russian veterans and active soldiers,” some of whom are credited on the game’s website.
This premise has sparked immediate and widespread condemnation, particularly as the Russian military is currently under an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin himself is subject to an ICC arrest warrant concerning the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.
Unsurprisingly, the game’s portrayal of Russia’s role in the conflict has been heavily criticized. The Ukrainian state’s Centre for Countering Disinformation labeled “Squad 22” as “Russian propaganda” as early as last year. On Steam, the game currently holds a “Mixed” rating, with numerous user reviews describing it as an “ethical abomination that deserves universal condemnation.” Social media is alight with calls for Valve to remove the game from Steam, questioning how it was approved in the first place.
In response to inquiries, SPN’s lead developer, Alexander Tolkach, explained that “Squad 22: ZOV” underwent an exceptionally “long moderation process” by Valve. He claimed, “Valve’s team literally requested access to all in-game content and checked it for about 60 days,” a stark contrast to the typical “5-7 days’ timing.” Tolkach maintained that the developers were careful to “feature only legal things inside” and ensured their art did not “feature any extremes of violence,” leading to its approval. (PC Gamer has reached out to Valve for comment on this process.)
Tolkach also revealed that the initial concept for “Squad 22” “came from GVPU,” Russia’s Military-Political Directorate. However, he asserted that funding was sourced from “our own savings and in majority by a private investor,” with the GVPU facilitating connections to a sponsor by providing “meaningful info for the game.” He further stated that “all proceeds from the game go to pay out team salaries while continuing to improve the game,” and any surplus would be invested in new projects, not the Russian military – a claim the original article’s author found difficult to accept at face value.
Acknowledging the sensitive nature of the game, Tolkach commented, “Of course it is problematic. I understand why 99% of game developers stick to either long past (up to WWII) or fictional settings. And I understand Ukrainian players don’t like us.” He controversially suggested, “Maybe it’d be logical if Steam closes game sales for Ukraine, as they, by the way, did for Russia.”
Defending their creation, Tolkach asserted, “But we have the right to tell the stories of our people… we have all rights to defend our dignity and show the world how we see this conflict and, more importantly, why it actually began,” implying a counter-narrative to what he perceives as “disinformation” in Western media.
Despite the developer’s justifications, “Squad 22: ZOV” remains a deeply contentious release. Set against the backdrop of a devastating ongoing war that has harmed millions, its association with a military facing serious international accusations leaves a profoundly bitter taste, regardless of whether it technically adheres to Steam’s terms of service. The game’s presence on a major global platform continues to raise significant ethical questions for the gaming community and Valve itself.
